star sapphire

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The star sapphire

Among the precious and semi-precious star stones, the most remarkable are star sapphires and star rubies. Star sapphires contain tiny needle-like inclusions of rutile that give a silky sheen to the surface of the stone. Due to their crystalline structure only star sapphire and star ruby have 6 (or even 12) white rays which dance while floating on the surface. Sapphires vary in these colors: blue, pink, orange, yellow, green and black. The most sought after color is intense blue. When a sapphire is red, it is called … ruby.

In ancient times, star sapphire was considered a talisman to guide travelers.

The most important deposits are in Australia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Madagascar. However, it is also found in other countries around the world.

The most used ancient treatment is heat treatment by heating the rough stones to around 1700 degrees C for several hours. Heat improves color and clarity. Then the lapidary cuts the sapphire (or ruby) into a cabochon by positioning the base of the stone parallel to the rutile needles present in the mineral. Thus the star becomes clearly visible in the light.

The quality and therefore the price is based on the few inclusions allowing greater clarity of the stone. This clarity combined with transparency, weight and color determine the final price of the stone. Natural star sapphires are rare as they represent only 1-2% of a sapphire mine. Natural star sapphires must have both a beautiful color while having a complete and visible star.

Beware, for several years we find sapphires by diffusion. That is to say, we artificially add a star to a cabochon-cut sapphire. The diffusion process with titanium dioxide only acts on a depth of half a millimeter. A diffused sapphire must be declared for sale as such and its price must be low. Also be very careful when the sapphire has a very beautiful color with a star that is too regular and contrasting, distrust. Chances are it's a diffused star sapphire. If in doubt ask professional advice.

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